CVE-2009-4209 in moziloCMS
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in admin/index.php in moziloCMS 1.11.1 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) cat and (2) file parameters in an editsite action, different vectors than CVE-2008-6127 and CVE-2009-1367.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-4209 represents a critical cross-site scripting weakness discovered in moziloCMS version 1.11.1 within the administrative interface component. This flaw specifically affects the admin/index.php file and demonstrates the persistent nature of web application security issues that can persist across multiple versions of content management systems. The vulnerability operates through two distinct parameter injection points namely the cat and file parameters during editsite actions, creating multiple attack vectors that adversaries can exploit to compromise the system. This issue falls under the broader category of web application security flaws that have been extensively documented in industry standards and threat frameworks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the moziloCMS administrative interface. When administrators or authenticated users interact with the editsite functionality, the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data passed through the cat and file parameters. This lack of proper sanitization allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary HTML and JavaScript code that gets executed in the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability is classified as a classic reflected XSS attack pattern where malicious payloads are reflected back to users through the application's response, making it particularly dangerous for administrative interfaces where privileged access exists. The weakness directly corresponds to CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities in web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or defacement as it provides attackers with the capability to escalate privileges and potentially gain complete control over the CMS administration interface. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could execute malicious scripts that steal session cookies, redirect users to phishing sites, or modify content within the CMS. The fact that this vulnerability exists in the administrative interface makes it particularly dangerous as it could allow unauthorized individuals to modify website content, add malicious users, or even delete important files. The attack vectors are relatively simple to exploit, requiring only that an attacker convince a legitimate administrator to click on a malicious link containing the XSS payload, making it a significant concern for website owners who rely on CMS platforms for content management.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the broader ATT&CK framework where such flaws map to techniques involving initial access through web application attacks and privilege escalation through administrative interface compromises. The remediation strategy must focus on implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application, specifically targeting the admin/index.php file and its parameter handling logic. Organizations should immediately patch the affected version of moziloCMS or implement proper parameter sanitization measures that prevent the injection of malicious content through the cat and file parameters. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy headers and regular security audits of web applications can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining current software versions and the risks associated with using outdated CMS platforms that may contain known security flaws.